The Cuban regime has long failed to meet its housing construction plans, but it has not faltered in the construction and repair of hotels, despite their low occupancy rates. This trend is especially noticeable on dates deemed significant by the government, such as July 26.
In anticipation of the so-called "Day of National Rebellion," which this year has been assigned to the province of Sancti Spíritus, the renovation of Hotel Zaza is being expedited. The official press has described this as the largest construction intervention ever undertaken at the facility.
Mayumi Funcia, head of the Department of Engineering and Design at the Emprestur Varadero branch, is leading the construction efforts. She informed the official Radio Sancti Spíritus that the first phase of the project involves finishing nearly 60 of the 124 rooms, the pool and its surrounding areas, the bar lookout, the lobby bar, and the game room, among other spaces.
The renovation will also include the restaurant, the perimeter fence, and the Media Luna ranch at the entrance of the hotel. Funcia noted that although the task of repairing the hotel, inaugurated in 1976, is "titanic," it has been taken on "with much love and professionalism," highlighting the regime's willingness to invest more in the deteriorating tourism infrastructure than in other sectors like education and health.
According to Funcia, the entrance will see the reconstruction of a water mirror leading to a waterfall, as well as the green area. Additionally, the classic prefabricated system will be maintained with "a touch of modernity." To accomplish this "titanic" task and meet the July 26 deadline, several companies have been called upon, including workers from at least five provinces of the country.
"All efforts of the Ministry of Tourism are currently focused on Hotel Zaza because this is the prioritized project for the country," she said, emphasizing that this directive came from both the Provincial Governor and the Minister of Tourism. She also mentioned that the most challenging aspect so far has been acquiring the equipment needed to modernize the pool, which will feature "the necessary technology for water recirculation and other international standards," suggesting that the hotel aims to attract international tourists.
However, she clarified that the hotel "will have a category very close to three stars" and lamented the current undervaluation of Zaza, without specifically addressing the causes, which stem from the regime's neglect.
Nedelvis Rodríguez Companioni, the commercial deputy director of the Islazul Sancti Spíritus branch, which manages the Zaza, explained that the hotel functioned as an isolation center at the onset of the pandemic but closed shortly afterward due to undeniable deterioration. He admitted that during the five years the hotel has been closed, there was a delay in executing the investments approved at that time, and the little that was proposed became stagnant.
Rodríguez justified the government's inaction by vaguely pointing to other culprits, stating, "Yes, there was interest from Islazul Sancti Spíritus, but it did not depend on us."
Laura Mármol Hernández, who has only been in charge of the hotel for a month, assured that the goal is to upgrade the facility from its long-standing two-star rating to three stars through a re-categorization process.
Official Radio Sancti Spíritus touted the renovation of the hotel as a regime achievement in the province, emphasizing the speed of the repair work and assuring that the facility will be ready in the coming days before July 26.
Recently, the Cuban government announced the revival of the DiTú café chain, which was popular in the early and mid-2000s but has largely fallen into disuse. The announcement was framed as an effort "to strengthen tourism in Cuba," reported the official Prensa Latina. However, the return of these cafés aims to improve the deficient tourist offerings in Cuba, which have often been criticized. Currently, the so-called DiTú establishments are notable for their limited offerings, frequently sold at exorbitant prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Zaza Renovations
This section provides answers to some common questions related to the ongoing renovations at Hotel Zaza in Sancti Spíritus and the broader implications for tourism in Cuba.
What is the significance of the July 26 deadline for the hotel's renovation?
July 26 is the "Day of National Rebellion" in Cuba, and the government has prioritized the renovation of Hotel Zaza in Sancti Spíritus to be completed by this date as part of the celebrations.
Why is the government focusing on hotel renovations instead of housing construction?
The Cuban regime has prioritized tourism infrastructure as a means to attract international visitors and revenue, despite the low occupancy rates and significant needs in other sectors like housing, education, and health.
What challenges have been faced during the renovation of Hotel Zaza?
One of the main challenges has been acquiring the necessary equipment to modernize the pool area, as well as coordinating efforts from multiple companies and workers from various provinces to meet the tight deadline.
How has the local government justified the delay in renovations over the past five years?
Officials have vaguely blamed other unspecified factors for the delays, stating that the interest from Islazul Sancti Spíritus was present, but the execution of the investments did not depend on them.